Geopolitical tensions and rearrangements in the Mediterranean region, as well as France-Cyprus cooperation were discussed on Thursday at the meeting of the parliamentary delegations of the Mediterranean countries of the European Union (GroupMed) at the Interparliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which takes place in the framework of the parliamentary dimension of the current French Presidency. The meeting was attended by the delegations of France, Greece, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
According to a statement of the House of Representatives, Cyprus was represented by MPs George Karoullas (leader), George Koukoumas, Zacharias Koulias, Alekos Tryfonidis and MP Alexandra Attalidou.
Mr. Karoullas referred to the Turkish violations on the territory and in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and the hybrid war that Cyprus is undergoing from Turkey, stressing that Cyprus expects a demonstration of practical European solidarity.
In addition, Karoullas stressed the importance of further developing parliamentary cooperation between the Mediterranean EU member states in order to address the instability prevailing in the Mediterranean region. He also noted the need to develop defence cooperation between GroupMed countries and an enhanced presence in the Mediterranean in order to counter the Turkish "Blue Homeland" strategy.
Attalidou underlined the need for the EU to demonstrate zero tolerance to any violation of the principles of international law, with reference to Turkey and Russia. She also pointed out that the absence of a substantial European reaction, beyond statements, to Turkey's illegal actions, even in cases where these actions affected the economic interests of other member states, allowed this country to continue its violations and threats against Cyprus. Finally, he noted the need to take steps towards achieving the EU's strategic autonomy.
Subsequently, the Cypriot delegation held a bilateral meeting with members of the French Senate delegation to the CFSP and CSDP Conference and other members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Committee of the French Senate, the statement said.
During the meeting, the common desire to further strengthen cooperation between the House of Representatives and the French Senate and to continue exchanges between the delegations of the two Parliaments in the framework of the Conference was underlined.
The members of the Cypriot delegation underlined the importance that Cyprus attaches to the cooperation developed with France in various fields, including in the field of defence. The Cypriot MPs expressed gratitude for France's solidarity and constant support to Cyprus, especially within the UN Security Council.
The French Senators underlined that France considers Cyprus an important partner, playing an important role in the Eastern Mediterranean region and stressed the importance they attach to the continuation and further development of the cooperation between the Governments of France and Cyprus.
There was also an exchange of views on the crisis in Ukraine and the future of the European Security and Defence Policy, including the strategic autonomy of the Union, particularly in the light of recent developments in Ukraine, the statement concludes.
Source: CNA
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